Block

Block

(1): (v. t.) The wooden mold on which hats, bonnets, etc., are shaped.

(2): (v. t.) The solid piece of wood on which condemned persons lay their necks when they are beheaded.

(3): (v. t.) A piece of hard wood (as mahogany or cherry) on which a stereotype or electrotype plate is mounted to make it type high.

(4): (v. t.) A piece of wood more or less bulky; a solid mass of wood, stone, etc., usually with one or more plane, or approximately plane, faces; as, a block on which a butcher chops his meat; a block by which to mount a horse; children's playing blocks, etc.

(5): (v. t.) A section of a railroad where the block system is used. See Block system, below.

(6): (v. t.) A blockhead; a stupid fellow; a dolt.

(7): (v. t.) The pattern or shape of a hat.

(8): (v. t.) A large or long building divided into separate houses or shops, or a number of houses or shops built in contact with each other so as to form one building; a row of houses or shops.

(9): (v. t.) A grooved pulley or sheave incased in a frame or shell which is provided with a hook, eye, or strap, by which it may be attached to an object. It is used to change the direction of motion, as in raising a heavy object that can not be conveniently reached, and also, when two or more such sheaves are compounded, to change the rate of motion, or to exert increased force; - used especially in the rigging of ships, and in tackles.

(10): (v. t.) A square, or portion of a city inclosed by streets, whether occupied by buildings or not.

(11): (n.) To shape on, or stamp with, a block; as, to block a hat.

(12): (v. t.) The perch on which a bird of prey is kept.

(13): (n.) To secure or support by means of blocks; to secure, as two boards at their angles of intersection, by pieces of wood glued to each.

(14): (n.) To obstruct so as to prevent passage or progress; to prevent passage from, through, or into, by obstructing the way; - used both of persons and things; - often followed by up; as, to block up a road or harbor.

(15): (n.) In Australia, one of the large lots into which public land, when opened to settlers, is divided by the government surveyors.

(16): (n.) The position of a player or bat when guarding the wicket.

(17): (n.) A block hole.

(18): (n.) The popping crease.

(19): (v. t.) A piece of box or other wood for engravers' work.

(20): (v. t.) Any obstruction, or cause of obstruction; a stop; a hindrance; an obstacle; as, a block in the way.